Ben Lange Fires 80, Earns OHSAA District Berth for Buckeye

Buckeye finished the OHSAA sectional tournament with a team score of 350 on Monday, highlighted by Ben Lange’s clutch round of 80 and qualification for the district tournament. Lange secured an individual berth with a par on No. 18, delivering under pressure to extend the season and represent the Bucks on the district stage.

Lange opened with a 37 on the front nine before posting a 43 on the back. With a district spot hanging in the balance at the closing hole, Lange made the par needed to finish at 80. The steady performance produced Buckeye’s lowest score of the day and earned Lange a place among the sectional’s advancing individuals.

The Bucks received an 86 from Valus and an 89 from Kujat, giving the team three rounds below 90. Morton carded a 95 to complete Buckeye’s four counting scores, while Kost finished with a 96. Those efforts combined for the Bucks’ 350 total on a clear morning in LaGrange, where the temperature was 61 degrees at the scheduled 9 a.m. start.

Medina led the team qualifiers with a 323, followed closely by St. Edward at 325 and Olmsted Falls at 327. Avon claimed the fourth team berth with a 335. Although Buckeye did not advance as a team, Lange’s poised finish gave the Bucks an achievement to celebrate at the conclusion of sectional play.

Lange will be joined at districts by fellow CWC individual qualifier Peyton Wolf of Westlake, who also shot an 80. The OHSAA district tournament is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 5 at Pine Hills Golf Club, where Lange will carry Buckeye pride into the next round after earning the opportunity with one final par.